Kuala lumpur: The Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) serves a pivotal function within Malaysia's democratic system, acting as a vital check and balance on government agencies and the executive, especially in instances of implementation failures or systemic weaknesses.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul emphasized that even though the PAC lacks punitive authority, its role is indispensable in uncovering facts and holding relevant agencies accountable, with the ultimate judgment resting with the public. He highlighted the PAC's independent operation, free from control by any party, to ensure administrative and financial accountability is upheld.
"No one can control the PAC. If follow-up action by the police or agencies appears slow after our reports, we must remember that the real judge is the people," Johari stated during the inauguration of the All-Malaysia PAC Conference. The event was attended by PAC chairperson Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and Parliament chief administrator Datuk Dr Ahmad Husaini Abdul Rahman.
Johari further noted the importance of close cooperation and shared understanding between the Parliament's PAC and state-level PACs to ensure the system functions effectively, adhering to the principle of separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and related institutions.
During a press briefing, Johari mentioned that the inaugural All-Malaysia PAC Conference was designed to pool ideas and experiences to generate resolutions that would strengthen the roles of PACs at all levels. He expressed optimism that the conference would enhance oversight of public financial management and boost public confidence in governance at both federal and state levels.
"I thank the PAC chairperson who mooted the idea for this conference. I am confident it will produce meaningful resolutions, so that state PACs can, where possible, follow the example of the Parliament's PAC," Johari stated. He also urged that any resolutions adopted be internalized and brought to Parliament for translation into concrete actions, including at the state legislative assembly level.
The conference saw participation from 11 state PAC chairpersons and 11 secretaries.